Michelle Obama tailored her motivational message not only to seniors in cap and gown as they prepared to head out into the real world, but also to those in military uniform.

"You all went through so much to make it to this day," said the First lady.

"One minute you're wearing a firearm and facing gunfire in the middle of the desert. The next minute you're wearing a backpack carrying a textbook and hanging out at Powell Corner," she said, in reference to the campuses' common area outside the student center.

The First Lady addressed more than 600 graduating seniors and reminded her audience that the non-material moments in their lives are what will define them.